The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-13

heldis characteristics on the base of this monu-
ment IN three principal phases of his life--those
OF student, warrior and statesman RecogniZ-
ing tnat Garfield. at early as in all after
lie, was student, the artist, by the figure OF a
youth In primitive dress and in a thoughtful,
ssnalons attitude porine over some problem
written on piece of bark, represents him as
struggling with obstacles which he is yet deter
mined TO overcome.
THE soldier phase of Garfeld's lfe-when
the appeal Was made from eloauence aud argu-
ment 10 the sword, and when he stood forth TO
repel force with force-the sculptor symboliZss
by the muscular figure of a warrior in ancient
German costume, who, reused by the trumpets
call, grasps his sword for action. The costume
points the observer to TIE vigorous Saxon origin
of Garfeds ancestry, and suggests force The
third figure on the base represents him AS a
statesman in repose, suggestive of the CAIN
majesty of the law"-unswersing integrity; Wis
dom to frame just laws and courage TO support
them. This figure is draped in costume more
refined aud classic indicating an intellectual
domination. In these figures the plant sensi-
bility of youth the force of manhood. and the
calm repose of knowledge and power singu-
larry exempifed. These qualities were retained
in the caracter of General Garfield 10 the close
of his life.
ITO enable us to decide what manner of man
President Garfield was, he must be tried by the
standards of greatness of his own day. All is
relative in this world To be great achieve
greatness in his time required higher moral and
mental qualities than were requisite in any other
of the worlds history. To be esteemed a
worthy citizen in the time and OF the country in
which he lived, man must be possessed of more
fulinesS of lie. generosity OF soul and
love for his fellow w-men than was accounted
necessary good citizenship in past generations.
Citizenship in our country includes sovereignty
and power. or capacity 10 command or direct the
affairs of state.
More is expected. more is required and more ia
essential to make good citizen of our constitu-
tional free government than is or was ever ex-
pected and required is ever was essential
to constitute good citizen or subject OF any
other government earth. A citizen or our
country must be filled with the philanthropy in
over the grave of the barbarism OF the dead past.
He must. also, in his life. eXemplify the teach
ings of the Christian religion it has shone with
increased resplendencv upon the world through
nineteen centuries. To be an educator equal TO
to the age in which Garfield lived, man must
drink deeper of the fountains of knowledge than
was necessary for Others distinc ushed for knowl-
edge, who lived before him. He must explore all
the fields of science history and literature TO be-
come learn cd man of his day.
TO be- soldier capable of meeting the re-
quirements of this epoch in the worlds progress,
mere natural genius to command will not suffice
The warrior must know the science and art of
it has developed abreast of all the inventions
in arms armor, proJectiles and materials of war.
What was strategy or grand tactics in the days
OF AleAander the Great, the Caesers, and even in
the more recent time of Napoleon and Yelling
ton. would count for little IN a modem campaign,
modern field of battle. II must not be
forgotten that our recent was wage6 With
feroclty and fatality far IN excess of most other
wars. The dead lists prove this A single bat
tie of the Rebellion resulted frequently in more
I
the canpalgns OF some former prolonged wars.
The killed and wounded in q single brigade,
during the war. frequently outnum oered the
Americans killed and wounded in tie seven years
of the Revolution. Many of the comrades now
before me saw Of the terrors of bloody con-
fiet in a single day than were witnessed IN
the whole military life of General WASHINGTON.
The wise and worthy statesman of this Union,
in the afternoon of this century. besides being
possessed of all the estmable qualities of useful
citizenship, must be equipped with political
knowledge cQeXtelSiEp history
ernments. ancient and modern. both republican
and monarchcal in form. The citizen sovereigns
of the United States. being individually capable
OF self-goveTnment. are, as consequences, exact
ing of those who, for the time being. are at the
ssad Of aIairs. Tne pseple OF this pnrihed
Union. being lmbUed with splrit OF personal
integrity demand of the statesman freedom
from corruption and exalted policy IL keep
ing with their own lofty character
1.-The ideal statesman must be scrupuously
careful of the peoples personal and property
rights ana privileges broad and philant thropic
enough to promote universal education and the
and sciences; and with heart enough to
amply provide for the comfort of the unfortu-
nate through public charitable institutions.
Under constitutional form of government
the defined functions of the President would
seem TO limit his power Cor evil or for good.
This may be true in certain sense, yet our
chief magistrate, for the duration of his term
impresses upon the whole country much of his
individual character. and, if SO disposed, he
could oppress the people and render them un
happy Besides being the chief executive officer
and commander IN CHIEF or the army ana navy or
the United States, he is, through the veto power
given by the Constitution. factor in national
legislation equivalent to one sixth OF each house
of Congress. Garfield lived IN an age and coun-
try where purse patriotism stamped the citizen
with the majesty of greatness more than IN any
other age government.
"A nation without battle-felds would be de-
VOID of patriotism. and a patton without patriot
ism in the peoples breasts is feeble one. and Is
doomed to a short life. Art and letters may
satisfy restless genius but physical heroism is
n n n
the empires of the world that have risen and
passed away affords many examples where ma
tlonal decay, precursor TO ultimate overthrow,
dates from the time when painting music.
sculpture, the fine arts and letters were pre-
ferred to the pursuits of war. The flag of the
Union and the integrity of the Nation
saved by the blood of heroic people st a cost of
untold treasure. The times and institutions of
the government demanded high type of patri-
otic manhood Humanity speaking. President
Garfield was morally, mentally and physically a
perfect man; and if IN his nature ne had faults,
they only served to demonstrate his precominat-
ing good qualities.
las a rublic debater Garfield excelled He
was a splendid scholar, fine rhetorician: \
writer no had rare powers, but it was his singc
lar good fortune to be able to think and come up
TO his supremest intellectual strength on his feet,
under the excitement of public speech. rather
than with his pen when IN mis- seat. His speeches
were not distinguished for horld rhetorical dis
play. but rather for strong. concise statements
which in them selves were better than Ordinary
arguments. Facts well summarized be knew the
vaue of and therefore used them the basis of
all his oraiorica powers Often his best friends
appealed TO him not TO correct the notes of his
speeches, lest in his desire conform his Ian
euace 10 the highest standard OF refined rhetoric
and purest diction ne would leave them sborn of
portion of their power and strength.
Garfield was by nature left handed and some
times great occasions when be to speak
he at first seemed awkward. This all disappeared
his genius flashed out in his fervid, mastery
treatment OF his subject. He then appeared
oratorical giaut-a superb human machine in
arr eli nj 10 lie
mainly with his uplifted left hand, aud
made emphatic by striking 1t down, sometimes
clenched. into his open. upturned right hand. He
had magnificent voice. resonant well modu-
lated. full under complete control. capable on
occasions of great vehemence, yet always pleas
ant TO the
He not ftful or uncertain in his speeches.
He commanded attention always, and by
of careful preparation and versatility Of learning